Tara, who was addicted to cocaine, has access to the highest levels of the royals through her family connections.

Her parents Charles and Patricia are close friends with the Prince of Wales. Other shocking allegations have emerged during the case that has shaken the media.

The court previously heard how Princess Diana gave the 56-year-old information for the royal household when she divorced Prince Charles.

Goodman told the Old Bailey that she gave him a book of contact details.

Asked why the princess sent him the book, Mr Goodman said: "She was in a very bitter situation with the Prince of Wales at the time. She felt she was being swamped by the people close to him and she was looking to... to take him on."

Earlier today, Coulson’s lawyer Timothy Langdale QC alleged that Goodman’s career was "in decline" by the time his client was editor. He described him as "work-shy", "out of touch" and "reluctant to go out on stories".